Deputy Principal | Mr Damien Fall

Following the recent rounds of Parent/Teacher interviews conducted via Teams last week, a survey was sent to families asking for feedback about your experience with this new format. I am delighted with the number of responses we have received, allowing us to have a very good understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and future prospects of this style of interview. Many thanks to the large number of parents and caregivers who took the time to reply. While we are still compiling the data, it has quickly become clear that many found the interviews a very positive experience. Staff will also complete a survey and we will use the combined feedback for future planning. Even as recently as the start of the year, if it was suggested we would be running interviews and subject selection evenings remotely via Teams, no one would have believed it likely or possible. We have certainly come a long way in a brief time thanks to the efforts of many dedicated staff.

Compliance around matters of student protection remains of critical importance at Terrace. New legislation regarding Blue Cards comes into effect on 31 August for all paid staff, which includes the huge number of coaches engaged by the College. The legislation summarised as ‘No Card, No Start’ means that all paid staff must be in possession of a Blue Card before they can commence any student engagement, such as a co-curricular training session. This change means that it is no longer sufficient to have a valid application lodged as has been the case until now. From 31 August, no student-related work can commence until the employee is in possession of the card. The College will work to communicate this change, but any assistance in spreading the message would be greatly appreciated.

Our run of babies has continued, with Mr Josh Kersevani and his wife Ellie welcoming their second son on Monday. As I write, they are still to decide on a name, but as an avid rugby league fan, Josh is rumoured to be trawling the team lists for an appropriate choice. The Terrace Family passes on sincere congratulations and every best wish on the new arrival.

While celebrations have been curtailed for this year, this week is acknowledged across the state as Catholic Education Week, a time when we celebrate the unique and special nature of schools such as ours. Schools are only as good as the people who make up their community, and we are truly blessed to have so many wonderful staff who bring the vision and mission to life every day.